Walt Disney World is renowned for its magical experiences and culinary delights. With over 400 dining options spread across theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, the possibilities for foodies seem endless. From quick snacks like warm pretzels to extravagant sit-down meals at venues such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Disney offers something for every palate and budget—or so it seemed.
Dining at Disney World has become progressively more expensive over the years, leading many guests to voice their frustration on social media. Many feel that while prices have risen, the quality of food has either remained the same or, in some cases, worsened.
Related: Best Disney Dining Plan Restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This sentiment seemed to be validated in 2021 when former Disney CFO Christine McCarthy revealed that the company was exploring cost-cutting measures, including partnering with less expensive suppliers and reducing portion sizes. Her comments sparked significant backlash, especially after she suggested that the smaller portions would be “good for some people’s waistlines,” leading to accusations of fat-shaming.
Recent social media chatter suggests a shift in guest behavior regarding table-service dining. During what’s typically one of the busiest times of the year—Marathon Weekend—guests noted something unusual: an abundance of available reservations at popular restaurants.
This unexpected development has many wondering if Disney’s rising prices are driving diners away.
Marathon Weekend Reservations: A Surprising Trend
Marathon Weekend, taking place every January, is a flagship event at Walt Disney World. Participants flock from across the globe to partake in races ranging from 5Ks to the grueling Dopey Challenge. Historically, securing a dining reservation during this weekend was akin to winning the lottery, often requiring guests to book months in advance.
But this year, something different happened. A search for table-service reservations just days before the marathon revealed widespread availability at iconic restaurants, including Be Our Guest, Chef Mickey’s, Liberty Tree Tavern, and even Cinderella’s Royal Table. A tweet by @disneytipsguy captured the collective shock:
“Has Disney pricing killed table service dining?
Look at all the availability for next Sunday on a RACE weekend!
Remember how hard it was to get reservations 60 days in advance in the past? Wow!”
Has Disney pricing killed table service dining?
Look at all the availability for next Sunday on a RACE weekend!
Remember how hard it was to get reservations 60 days in advance in the past? Wow! pic.twitter.com/I8anSfbOr3
— Disney Clips Guy (@disneytipsguy) January 4, 2025
Related: Disney Fans Finally Agree on Something: the Worst Restaurant at Disney World
The tweet quickly went viral, sparking a conversation about whether Disney dining has become too expensive for its own good.
One X user, @DeniseKT052951, chimed in on the Marathon Weekend discussion:
“I just said this to my husband when we were talking about how crowded WDW was recently. Friends who visit this time every year said they never saw crowds like those. And yet we saw many restaurants available.”
Related: The Worst Dining Spots at Each Disney World Theme Park
Is Table-Service Dining Losing Its Appeal?
Many fans speculate that rising prices have made table-service dining less attractive. With park tickets, resort stays, and additional expenses like Lightning Lane already straining budgets, guests are prioritizing other areas of their trip. For some, the cost of a sit-down meal simply isn’t worth it.
“Between the prices and the quality, we’ve started skipping table service altogether. We’d rather save the money for souvenirs or special experiences.”
Others argue that Disney needs to re-evaluate its approach to dining. Offering competitive pricing and maintaining high-quality food could help rekindle interest in table-service options.
The abundance of dining reservations during Marathon Weekend raises questions about the future of Disney’s culinary experiences. Are guests adapting their plans to focus on more budget-friendly options, or is this a sign that Disney needs to adjust its pricing strategy?
Whatever the case, one thing is clear: guests are paying close attention, and Disney’s dining reputation hangs in the balance. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Disney dining or someone who’s reconsidering sit-down meals, the debate surrounding affordability and value is more relevant than ever.
What do you think? Are Disney dining prices out of control, or do the magical meals still hold their charm? Let us know in the comments below!
I’ve been a member of DVC since 1999 and I’ve seen vast changes in parks and restaurants . Disney could certainly lower prices on things like the price for a bottle of water, Mickey bars, popcorn, etc. They keep building vacation club hotels and it makes it very difficult to get rooms unless you book the 11 months out. I miss the old days !!❤️